Red Empress × Rubin Red (hybrid)

This male is a cross between a Red Empress (Protomelas taeniolatus) and an Aulonocara Rubin Red. From the Red Empress it has the long body, pointed snout and horizontal stripes; from the Rubin Red, the electric-blue head and intense red-orange color. We say it clearly: it is a hybrid, ideal as a show fish, not for breeding pure lines.

It is about 12 cm and already in adult color, which keeps deepening with age and a good diet. The photos show the fish for sale, in our tank, in hand and in the measuring box.

It is calm, swims in open water and sifts the sand for food. It needs a tank of 300 liters or more, with fine sand and room to swim. It does well with peacocks and calm haps in different colors; avoid aggressive mbuna. Food: quality cichlid pellets with krill or mysis, which also bring out the red.